Zimbabwe will stop companies from selling lithium concentrates to other countries starting January 2027. The government wants businesses to build factories that turn raw lithium into more valuable products. Africa's biggest lithium producer already stopped ore exports back during 2022. Officials hope mining companies will create jobs and earn more money through local processing.
Bikita Minerals and Arcadia Lithium plan to build processing plants that refine lithium inside Zimbabwe. The country ships most of its lithium to China right away without adding value first. Cabinet members believe local factories will bring higher profits and better wages for workers. Mining companies must invest more money to build the required equipment and facilities.
Research groups say the 2027 deadline comes at a bad time for Zimbabwe's economy. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance warns that millions of tons will leave the country before processing plants open. Foreign companies will make profits from raw materials extracted from Zimbabwean mines. Climate change and drought have hurt farming and left over seven million people without enough food.
Bikita Minerals and Arcadia Lithium plan to build processing plants that refine lithium inside Zimbabwe. The country ships most of its lithium to China right away without adding value first. Cabinet members believe local factories will bring higher profits and better wages for workers. Mining companies must invest more money to build the required equipment and facilities.
Research groups say the 2027 deadline comes at a bad time for Zimbabwe's economy. The Centre for Natural Resource Governance warns that millions of tons will leave the country before processing plants open. Foreign companies will make profits from raw materials extracted from Zimbabwean mines. Climate change and drought have hurt farming and left over seven million people without enough food.
